The heated exchange began after Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos remarked that Mandel looks “great” for 70.

Howie Mandel struggles through Kelly Ripa apology, says he doesn’t believe ‘a comedian should apologize for a joke’

The heated exchange began after Ripa's husband Mark Consuelos remarked that Mandel looks "great" for 70.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

EW's editorial guidelines

March 29, 2026 5:32 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Howie Mandel apologizes to Kelly Ripa. Credit:

Michael Loccisano/Getty;Amanda Edwards/Getty

Howie Mandel is (mostly) taking accountability for his awkward encounter with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Last week, the *America's Got Talent* judge raised a few eyebrows after having a heated exchange with the titular hosts of *Live With Kelly & Mark*. The back-and-forth began after Consuelos remarked that Mandel looks "great" for 70, prompting the comedian to reprimand the couple for delivering a backhanded compliment.

In the moment, it was unclear whether Mandel was seriously upset or simply making a joke. So on Saturday, he shared a video clarifying his feelings about the tense TV moment.

"I have been debating for 48 hours whether I should make this post or not. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing," Mandel began the video shared on Instagram. "Philosophically I don't believe that somebody who's a comedian needs to apologize for a joke. It is a joke. It is meant as a joke. And it's not meant to offend."

Mandel went on to say that throughout his five decades in show business, he has never before offered a public apology, but indicated that this situation feels different.

Howie Mandel clashes with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on 'Live With Kelly & Mark'.

"This is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive," he said. "Not only have I been a guest on our show, but I have, I've co-hosted with her and I've known her for years."

He continued, "When I go out there, I just try to be entertaining and funny and sometimes as a comedian, things don't land the way you mean them to land. And I don't know how to say this, but not only do I want to say I'm sorry to Kelly but — and this is the hardest part — you're right."

Mandel then quipped, "You're absolutely right. I'm sorry I didn't see it that way. And after a lot of thought and self-reflection… I do. I look great for my age. I really do. I look fantastic."

In the conversation that began the memorable exchange, Consuelos commended Mandel, who turned 70 in November. Ripa then observed that the age "doesn't make any sense."

"What do you mean it doesn't make any sense?" Mandel asked, to which Consuelos replied, "You look great!"

Mandel appeared fired up as he snapped at the couple, cutting them off: "I look great?" he shot back. "That doesn't mean anything to me. No, no, no, no. I don't like that, because that's a caveat."

'Live' audience member interrupts Howie Mandel interview, asking to date his son

Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos investigate bizarre snail sex: 'Who's the top?'

Ripa interjected, "We're not saying you look great *for* 70. You look great."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

When Consuelos conceded that yes, he was saying Mandel looked good for his age, the comedian fired back, "It's like saying you're smart for a stupid person."

A source close to the situation told * *that the exchange was"casual banter" between the cohosts and Mandel. However, social media users questioned whether this was truly the case after rumors emerged that Ripa was genuinely upset about the joke.

Representatives for Ripa did not immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

- Celebrities & Creators

- Celebrity Feuds & Controversies

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Celebrity”